Your Ultimate Guide to the Movie Marathon

As Christmas approaches, it’s your last chance to binge on Christmas movies, and who wouldn’t want to stay up watching 24 hours of non-stop festive entertainment? Whether you’re hanging out with loved ones or tackling some festive viewing alone, the ultimate Christmas movie marathon has been revealed.
The experts at QR Code Generator have curated the ultimate Christmas movie marathon, combining the most Googled classic films with hidden gems, focusing on runtimes that fit – roughly – 24 hours.
Featuring 13 carefully selected films, this marathon balances nostalgia, comedy and late-night thrills to keep your spirits festive all day (and night) – and also considers 10-minute intervals between each film for comforting breaks.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
While morale is high, we start the marathon with one of the classics. It’s a Wonderful Life sets the tone for a feel-good Christmas, conveying the timeless themes of hope and redemption. Clocking in at two hours and 10 minutes, this film takes up a good chunk of the 24-hour period – and with 159,000 monthly Google searches, it’s a popular choice.
2. Miracle on the 34thth Street (1947)
Faithful to the classics, we continue with Miracle on 34th Street (the 1947 version) at just over an hour and a half (94 minutes). Offering a healthy dose of seasonal cheer – and attracting an average of 70,000 Google searches each month – this tale of Christmas magic and belief is a must-see for all ages.
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Then we break things up with an animated episode: A Charlie Brown Christmas. At just 25 minutes long, it contrasts nicely with the longer classics. Although it only has 19,000 monthly Google searches, it’s short, sweet and nostalgic – and perfect for a younger audience who wants something more upbeat.
4. Elf (2003)
Now it’s time to spend some festive time with everyone’s favorite elf, Buddy. Elf attracts 342,000 monthly searches on Google, making it the third most searched for Christmas movie among those surveyed in the study. At 97 minutes long, it’s a must-have for any festive watch.
5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
It’s time for some chaotic holiday humor with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold’s Christmas misadventures are a comedic goldmine, and with 96,000 monthly Google searches, others think so too.
6. Decorate the Halls (2006)
After the Griswold family, we’re heading to some more holiday detours with Deck the Halls. In a war of Christmas lights, this movie continues to have fun as we approach the halfway point. The film is 93 minutes long and attracts an average of 23,000 Google searches each month.
7. The Polar Express (2004)
Then we return to another animation with the classic The Polar Express. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, this enchanting film has something for everyone, and with 76,000 monthly searches on Google, it’s clearly a fan favorite.
8. The Grinch (2018)
Now we’re diving into a more modern take on a Christmas classic with 2018’s The Grinch. This colorful animated version of Dr. Seuss’ Christmas redemption tale brings the Grinch to life in a whole new way – and is ideal for those who have a shorter attention span. just 85 minutes away.
9. Home Alone (1990)
You can’t have a Christmas movie marathon without Home Alone. With 433,000 monthly searches on Google, it’s the most searched for Christmas movie, making it a holiday must-see and the perfect way to recharge in the middle of your movie marathon.
10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Still not enough Grinch? Don’t worry, he’s back for more with the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This live-action version starring Jim Carrey has become a holiday icon in its own right. You can even discuss the comparisons between this and the animated version – notably the longer runtime, at 104 minutes for the live-action version.
11. Love Actually (2003)
Now, for when the younger audience may have gone to bed, a little holiday romance. Love Actually is the ultimate Christmas romantic comedy, weaving together several heartwarming stories set around the Christmas period. With an all-star cast and unforgettable moments, this film has earned its place in the holiday movie canon, as evidenced by its average of 209,000 monthly Google searches.
12. Die Hard (1988)
Next: action! As debate rages over whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie, we’re counting it down. Plus, any performance from Alan Rickman will keep you hooked after 20 hours of Christmas movie bingeing. The action-packed film is 132 minutes long, making it one of the longest episodes on the list.
13. The Vacation (2006) or Gremlins (1984)
As the marathon comes to an end, depending on your mood, you have a choice. Do you end on a warm, feel-good note with The Holiday, or immerse yourself in the chaotic fun of Gremlins? One is a Christmas rom-com, the other a cult holiday horror-comedy classic, but either way, both have earned their place in the Christmas movie lineup – although Gremlins which is 30 minutes shorter than The Holiday, so you might finish sooner.
24 Hour Christmas Movie Marathon List
Watch order | Movie title | Length of movie (minutes) | Average monthly Google searches |
1 | It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) | 130 | 159,000 |
2 | Miracle on 34th Street (1947) | 96 | 70,000 |
3 | A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) | 25 | 19,000 |
4 | Elf (2003) | 97 | 342,000 |
5 | National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) | 97 | 96,000 |
6 | Decorate the Halls (2006) | 93 | 23,000 |
7 | The Polar Express (2004) | 100 | 76,000 |
8 | The Grinch (2018) | 85 | 370,000 |
9 | Home Alone (1990) | 103 | 433,000 |
10 | How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) | 104 | 101,000 |
11 | Love Actually (2003) | 135 | 209,000 |
12 | Die Hard (1988) | 132 | 208,000 |
13 | The Holidays (2006) | 136 | 109,000 |
13 | Gremlins (1984) | 106 | 190,000 |
Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator commented on the list: “While completing a 24-hour Christmas movie marathon might seem like a big challenge, it would be a fantastic way to create lasting memories and bond with the family. family and friends during the holiday season. .
“For those who may not have seen many Christmas movies, this marathon is a fun way to ‘catch up’ on the classics that define the season.
“Even if you don’t manage to watch all the films in 24 hours, the experience of watching these films together, with plenty of Christmas snacks and treats to fuel you, is what makes it truly memorable.”
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